Firefighters rescue teen after sledging accident, Edinburgh

Firefighters in Edinburgh had to carry out a line-rescue of a 16-year-old boy after he slipped down an embankment whilst sledging, injuring his leg.

Crews were called to Blackford Hill at the top of Observatory Road just before 1.15pm on Saturday afternoon (19 January).

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said:

“A full line rescue team was mobilised to retrieve the youth who had come off his sledge and fallen 60 meters down a steep hill.

“Firefighters used lines to access him before securing him in a basket stretcher and hauling him up the embankment. He was rescued just before 2.20pm and passed to waiting ambulance crews who took him to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment to his injured leg.

“Around 20 firefighters were involved in the rescue operation using specialist line rescue skills to bring the teenager to safety and an area where he could be treated and stabilised by ambulance staff before going to hospital.

“Emergency services were clear from the scene just before 3pm. The hill was very busy with sledgers and dog walkers. We would like to remind people to take extra care whilst out and about in snowy conditions. Fortunately line rescue trained firefighters were able to rescue the teenager after his accident and we hope he will make a speedy recovery.”

N.B Photos (excepting top image) all courtesy of @EdinSpotlight, many thanks to them for waiting to make sure the casualty was safely recovered before sharing images.